FREE Railroad Display

   StARR, (St. Alban’s Railroad,) will hold springtime open house on  Saturday June 4^th and Sunday, June 5th, 2011.  Best time to visit is between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  No admission is charged, but donations are greatly appreciated.  The railroad now has a new power plant ans a refinery under construction.  If you missed last season’s open houses, return visitors will also note the Wilson Coke Plant in progress, a meat packing plant in progress, a new trucking facility in Parkesburg, an operational car shop in Chadds Ford and a tunnel connecting Sonestown with Perkiomen Junction under construction, a great opportunity to see how the railroad is made.  Techie alert: All switches on the main line are now controlled by computer assisted central dispatch. StARR’s 4000 square foot layout using “state of the art” Digital Command Control (DCC), fills a 50’ X 80’ room boasting 225 feet of four-track main line, 235 feet of branch line track and over 800 pieces of rolling stock.  A video camera equipped locomotive allows visitors to see the scenery from the engineer’s perspective.  Realistic operations include modules featuring an operating transfer table, electronic turntable and three working freight yards with engine facilities among the large variety of equipment and eras featured in the eastern Pennsylvania scenery. StARR has often been termed the "most kid friendly" model railroad group in the greater metropolitan area because the club offers hands on displays.  "Thomas the Tank Engine" will noto be operating at this event. Members sometimes offer visiting kids an opportunity to "operate" on the railroad.  StARR also operates the "Hogwart's Express" complete with British whistle, so feel free to bring the kiddies! Some of the club's most regular visitors (along with their parents,) frequently spend the entire afternoon. And, it’s almost Father’s Day, so bring Daddy out to see the trains.  Don't miss the informational slide show, on computer, which supplies lot's of details for all visiting rivet counters. Sorry, StARR is not handicapped accessible at this time.  For more information call 610 275-4340 or visit our website: http://StARR-MRC.org

The Saint Albans Railroad Fellowship (StARR) is an outreach ministry of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3625 Chapel Road, Newtown Square, PA.  The club has been meeting for 20 fun-filled years in the basement under the Thrift Shop.  Membership, which includes members from the surrounding five (5) county area, is currently 22 strong ranging in age from 8 to 88.  New members are always welcome.